Excellence in Communication and English Language Skills Program (ExCELS)
The Excellence in Communication and English Language Skills (ExCELS) Program for graduate students, based on the WashU program for Postdocs, focuses on developing communication and presentation skills for graduate students.
Sessions are designed to help non-dominant English speaking graduate students enhance their English presentation skills and overall presentation confidence. Students will work in small groups with postdocs who will provide coaching and feedback. Please note: the workshops are geared towards PhD students and students presenting research, though other students may participate.
During the final presentation session, participants will have the option to have their presentation considered for an award by a panel of judges. Cash prizes ($1,000, $750, $500) will be awarded for those with the top-rated presentations.
The program consists of four required sessions (schedule below). Due to the nature of this program, space is limited.
Students who are selected for the program will be required to attend all four sessions and participate fully in all workshops. All sessions will be held in the Graduate Center, Women’s Building, Suite 005.
Note: The application is in Info Ready. You will need to complete your Info Ready profile before accessing the application.
Session 1
January 23, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Breakfast will be available at 9:30 a.m.
Research Communication Barriers
Break
Crafting a Research Story
Physicality of Presentations
Personal Reflections and Lunch
Session 2
January 30, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Breakfast will be available at 9:30 a.m.
Developing YOUR Research Story
Delivering a Clear and Compelling Research Talk
Break
Small Group Presentation Work
Group Reflections and Lunch
Session 3
February 6, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Breakfast will be available at 9:30 a.m.
Compelling Visuals: Finalizing your ONE slide
Mentor Breakout Session
Presentation Practice and Group Feedback
Lunch
Session 4
February 13, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Breakfast will be available at 9:30 a.m.
Final Presentations
Award Presentations and Lunch (11:30 a.m. – advisors/PIs welcome!)
Congratulations to our Summer 2025 ExCELS Participants!
Please reach out to gradcenter@wustl.edu for more information on this program.